{"id":1130,"date":"2025-03-28T09:15:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T08:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/?p=1130"},"modified":"2025-06-12T13:05:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T11:05:44","slug":"mine-gas-in-bethune-an-innovative-project-combining-energy-transition-and-social-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/2025\/03\/28\/mine-gas-in-bethune-an-innovative-project-combining-energy-transition-and-social-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"Mine Gas: In B\u00e9thune, an Innovative Project Combining Energy Transition and Social Impact"},"content":{"rendered":" \n
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\n Mine Gas: In B\u00e9thune, an Innovative Project Combining Energy Transition and Social Impa <\/h2>\n
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As part of a new workshop held by the working group \u201cUrbanization \u2013 A Marshall Plan for the City of the Future: Toward a Low-Carbon Urban Model\u201d<\/em>, co-led by Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, Julien Moulin, Chairman of La Fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019\u00c9nergie, provided an in-depth overview of an exemplary mine gas recovery and valorization project in B\u00e9thune (Pas-de-Calais). The session offered an opportunity to explore the technical, regulatory, climate-related, and social challenges of such an initiative.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n

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Reducing energy-related emissions, capturing methane naturally released into the atmosphere, and producing low-carbon, affordable heat locally\u2026 In former coal-mining regions, the challenges are manifold.<\/p>\n

In response to these issues, the recovery and valorization of mine gas emerges as a high-potential solution\u2014one that remains largely underutilized across Europe.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n

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On March 12, the members of the working group \u201cUrbanization \u2013 A Marshall Plan for the City of the Future: Towards a Low-Carbon Urban Model\u201d met to discover a pioneering project developed in B\u00e9thune (Pas-de-Calais) by La Fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019\u00c9nergie<\/strong> (FDE), a company specializing in low-carbon energy solutions. In attendance were Pauline Levillain<\/strong>, sustainable finance expert at MAIF<\/strong>, and Shirley Chojnacki<\/strong>, Managing Director, Head of Energy at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management (EDRAM)<\/strong> and part of the management team of BRIDGE<\/strong>, the group\u2019s infrastructure debt platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2021, BRIDGE granted its first financing to La Fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019\u00c9nergie through a holding company. \u201cInitially, this funding targeted only cogeneration units located on former coal mining sites in France and Belgium, from which methane naturally escapes. We were very clear: only naturally emitted methane was to be used, with no additional interaction with the subsoil,\u201d Chojnacki explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis methane accumulates in abandoned mines and ends up escaping through decompression chimneys installed by the State during mine closures. When mixed with air, it forms what is known as firedamp. Instead of letting it leak into the atmosphere, we collect it at the surface to prevent emissions and valorize it locally,\u201d explained Julien Moulin<\/strong>, President of La Fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019\u00c9nergie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this project, the multi-energy producer conducted no drilling and relied solely on existing infrastructure. \u201cThere are about a hundred decompression wells\u2014small chimneys\u2014that can emit gas into the atmosphere when underground pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engineering Precision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To effectively collect and valorize the gas, the company relies on a dynamic approach involving fluid mechanics and territorial analysis. The first step is to map the subsurface. \u201cWe use both historical data and real-time measurements,\u201d noted Moulin. Most wells are now equipped with sensors that continuously monitor pressure levels. These data feed a reservoir engineering<\/strong> system, where various scenarios are simulated to determine the optimal collection methods and locations depending on the reservoir\u2019s behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company also monitors water levels in old mining galleries using a network of more than 100 piezometers. \u201cWhen water rises, it increases pressure and pushes more gas to the surface. So we have to adapt the collection systems,\u201d said Moulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This mapping of the subsurface is overlaid with a second layer: that of existing surface infrastructures. The goal is to locate the wells already in place to minimize the land footprint of the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A third mapping layer identifies urbanized and protected areas. \u201cTowns were built around the mines. Some areas are off-limits to intervention, and in others, for safety or acceptability reasons, it\u2019s better not to install industrial equipment in the town center,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This triple mapping<\/strong>\u2014of the subsurface, existing infrastructure, and urban fabric\u2014is complemented by an outlet analysis: \u201cWhat connects us to the market? Where are the potential consumers? Can we valorize the gas locally?\u201d summarized Moulin. The goal is to ensure that by 2030<\/strong>, no methane will be directly emitted into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Real Climate Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a global context where coal is being phased out\u2014especially under investor pressure\u2014transitional solutions must accompany the shutdown of coal-fired plants. \u201cAt MAIF, we conducted an engagement campaign in 2023, urging all our asset management partners to adopt a coal exit strategy,\u201d recalled Pauline Levillain. Valorizing mine gas fits into this strategy by offering a concrete, local response to the climate emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, this activity already avoids the emission of 3.6 million tonnes of CO\u2082 equivalent per year<\/strong>. The target is to reach 100 million tonnes by 2030<\/strong>. \u201cWe are contributing directly to the collective effort to reduce greenhouse gases,\u201d emphasized Moulin. Methane\u2014the main component of firedamp\u2014has a global warming potential about 80 times greater than CO\u2082 over 10 years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite this tangible impact, economic valorization remains complex. \u201cWe are not currently paid for the CO\u2082 we avoid emitting. That makes it hard to build a viable business model,\u201d he regretted. However, the work in progress around Scope 4 emissions<\/strong>\u2014avoided emissions\u2014in climate reporting standards could help better recognize this type of solution, especially for investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Supportive but Uneven Regulatory Framework Across Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This project in B\u00e9thune was made possible by a solid legal and institutional framework. The company holds exclusive concessions across the coal basins of the Hauts-de-France<\/strong>, granted by the French State for 25 years, renewable without competition\u2014offering the long-term stability necessary for such projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A decree from November 2016<\/strong> also introduced a support mechanism for valorizing firedamp, notably through electricity purchase contracts. This fits into a long-term effort that includes mapping, securing, and managing former mining sites. \u201cThis groundwork has been particularly well executed in France,\u201d observed Moulin, in contrast to other European countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Poland<\/strong>, for instance, the legal framework remains a significant barrier: the mining permit for firedamp capture<\/strong> is not yet separate from permits for active coal extraction, which hinders coal exit strategies\u2014a top priority for meeting the EU\u2019s decarbonization goals. In many cases, legacy operators (former national coal companies) are no longer operational or cannot handle the environmental liabilities left behind. \u201cIn France, the State has clearly separated these historical liabilities from new projects. This gives us very strong legal security,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regulation is thus a crucial lever\u2014but also a barrier<\/strong>\u2014to enabling a successful coal transition. The Just Transition Mechanism<\/strong> aims to help EU countries harmonize their practices, drawing inspiration from French and German models. \u201cWe hope that when Poland<\/strong>, Romania<\/strong>, or Greece<\/strong> close their mines, they integrate firedamp valorization directly into their plans, in an intelligent and sustainable way. This would reduce pollution, preserve jobs, produce competitive energy, and support economic regeneration,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Strong Social Component<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the start, the B\u00e9thune project had to meet multiple specifications: fully decarbonize the heat network<\/strong>, use energy sourced within a 100 km radius<\/strong>, extend the network to surrounding municipalities<\/strong>, and contractually guarantee a stable price over 22 years<\/strong>. \u201cThe goal was not just to supply energy, but to provide affordable<\/strong> energy. We made strong commitments and asked Dalkia<\/strong>, who was awarded the heat network concession, not to add margins on our energy. This allowed us to pass the savings directly to residents<\/strong>,\u201d explained Moulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He believes this social impact<\/strong> is what ultimately aligned stakeholders in a region where a significant portion of the population experiences energy poverty<\/strong>. In Northern France\u2019s former mining basin, where homes are often poorly insulated, this poses real challenges for heating. \u201cIt was likely this social component<\/strong>, even more than the energy aspect, that motivated public and regulatory actors to act quickly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The permits were issued rapidly. The project went live on January 1, 2021<\/strong>, with the heat network extended to nearly 7,000 housing units<\/strong> and about a dozen public buildings, cutting annual heating bills by nearly \u20ac400 per household<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe were very impressed by the social aspect of the B\u00e9thune project: it provides more sustainable heat to residents while significantly lowering their bills<\/strong>,\u201d shared Shirley Chojnacki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Robust and Profitable Business Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While Dalkia<\/strong> extended the heat network, La Fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019\u00c9nergie had to make major investments to rehabilitate the gas capture site, restore part of an existing pipeline, and build a 7 km pipeline<\/strong> to bring the captured gas to the town center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing cogeneration units<\/strong> in downtown B\u00e9thune also posed significant technical challenges\u2014especially due to space, safety, and noise constraints in this dense urban environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In total, the investments amounted to \u20ac9.5 million<\/strong>, including \u20ac5 million<\/strong> for the pipeline and \u20ac3 million<\/strong> for cogeneration equipment to transform the gas into heat and electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These investments were partially offset by a state-guaranteed electricity purchase tariff<\/strong>, through EDF<\/strong>. \u201cIn France, public support takes the form of a feed-in tariff, which ensures a large share of project profitability. It allows us to offer heat at very low prices in B\u00e9thune and, most importantly, to commit to the municipality on a fixed rate for 22 years<\/strong>, regardless of how the gas market evolves,\u201d said Moulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the business model isn\u2019t solely based on public support. \u201cWhen we negotiated the heat purchase contract with Dalkia, we made sure they weren\u2019t adding a margin to our supply. That means the energy savings go directly to the end user. And since we have exclusive access to the resource, and a stable, long-term off-take contract, it\u2019s a reliable and profitable model<\/strong>,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On March 12, the members of the working group \u201cUrbanization \u2013 A Marshall Plan for the City of the Future: Towards a Low-Carbon Urban Model\u201d met to discover a pioneering project developed in B\u00e9thune (Pas-de-Calais) by La Fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019\u00c9nergie (FDE), a company specializing in low-carbon energy solutions. In attendance were Pauline Levillain, sustainable finance […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1011,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1130","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-urbanization"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1130","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1130"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1130\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1131,"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1130\/revisions\/1131"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1011"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1130"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1130"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/2030investirdemain.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1130"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}